Anelka concerns Domenech

France coach waits to see reaction following shoot-out miss

Last updated: 25th May 2008

france training nicolas anelka

Anelka: Waiting

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Raymond Domenech is assessing Nicolas Anelka's state of mind before deciding whether to include the striker in the France squad for Euro 2008.

Anelka has been selected in France's provisional 30-man squad for next month's tournament, but the party must be trimmed to 23 by Wednesday.

After his penalty was saved in Chelsea's UEFA Champions League final shoot-out defeat to Manchester United in midweek, Anelka's psychological state is a concern for Domenech.

The France coach feels sympathy for the forward, but could leave Anelka out of his European Championship plans, if he believes the spot-kick miss has affected the 29-year-old.

Embarrassing

"It is something I have to think hard about," Domenech told reporters at France's training headquarters at Clairefontaine.

"How is he going to deal with this? I don't know. I'm waiting and we will talk about it.

"We'll also have to see how the other players speak about it. If they wind him up, how will he react? It's difficult to say.

"It's embarrassing for the person who misses. Furthermore, he is France and part of the French team.

"I certainly felt for him. Nicolas was put in the position where he had to save the team because Ryan Giggs had scored his penalty."